The Triple Crown

[Garry Lobaugh]

We have a winner! Although it is not official, but it is our belief that Sage Karem has won the Triple Crown of WKA. That is winning three different national championships. It is my understanding this has been a rough and tumble weekend at the New Castle WKA event for the MRP/Birel America team.

I'm sure Jody will bring us up to date with all of the facts of the weekend. I know that Chris and Tim want to extend their thanks to all of our loyal Birel customers and team tent members for their hard work and contribution to a great year.

[Nathan Carmon]

Congratulations Sage! We all had alot of fun watching the racing at New Castle.

[Jeff Myers]

congrats to the karam family... now, did birel win the manufacturer's trophy?

[Marc Miller]

on 30. Sep 2007 23:25 Jeff Myers wrote:
> congrats to the karam family... now, did birel win the manufacturer's trophy?

Unfortunately not, I believe we missed out by 2-3 points. It was a close one, but the close races on Sunday made the difference and not winning Cadet and ICA, our strongest chances at the time really hurt the cause. However - every Birel team all year, MDR, MKP, independent drivers and MRP did a remarkable job getting us in the hunt - even with less entries than margay. Congrats to everyone on their wins and strong podium finishes this weekend!

Marc Miller
MRP Motorsport
Director of Marketing & Brand Development
www.themarcmillershow.com

[sage karam]

Marc - We DID win cadet! In fact, Birel swept the cadet podium on Saturday (1,2,3) and got a 1st and 3rd on Sunday.

It was an awesome weekend! I'd love to sit back and take all the credit for the Triple Crown, but, it was a total team effort. Tim and Chris were with us at every WKA National and even provided major support throughout the four MWSS Divisional events. Karen and I are very proud of the fact that Sage is only the 3rd kid to accomplish a Triple Crown for the Junior Sportsman Category. The others being our own MIkey Giessen and a guy who drove a Birel on Suunday - Paulie Harraka.

We like to send a big thanks to the guys behind the scenes who always have our back - Garry, Brent and Marc. We've surrounded Sage with an amazing group of individuals. The other Cadet drivers in the tent have always been supportive of our championship goal and have selflessly allowed us to utilize Tim and Chris at the races. Both of Sage's grandpops even played a role in the success. We appreciate your understanding throughout the season. We always preach about the "chemistry" in the tent.

I can't offer "thanks" without mentioning our "motor guy" , Doug Fleming. He is the best - period. He is at almost every race offering assistance. First class guy who you can count on.

MRP's staf did an amazing job with Sage. Winning a WKA Triple Crown in Jr Sportsman is one of the most difficult things we've ever done. Tim and Chris eliminated distractions and created opportunities. We aren't dealing with a young adult, or even a teeneager., their just kids. But, trying to get Sage up for each event wasn't really that difficult - he wanted it. Yes, I wanted it too, and I'm not afraid to admit it. My son and I have grown as close as father and son can be through karting. On the flip side, I also realize that there are alot of other things to accomplish and karting doesn't end with a Jr Sportsman Triple Crown.

Just wanted to thank the people around us and let them know we appreciate them bearing with us. One more chapter in the Junior Sportsman book to finish, hopefully in Vegas.

Thanks!
Jody

[Jeff Myers]

only 2-3 points?!?.... no way - recount available???.... seriously, that is disappointing... when the guys were doing the radio broadcast sunday, it sounded like birel was going to get it....

next year!...

jeff myers sr.

[Garry Lobaugh]

Thanks for the support this year Jeff and of course if we could vote for a most improved driver, Jeff Jr. would get a pile of votes.

The team did not even get worried about the chassis contest until the last race. Certainly had we had a couple of breaks in ICA or other classes we would have made the top step.

One thing for sure, by finishing 2nd, we will try harder with more conviction next year. Just imagine if the 50 mm application is voted in! The competition will have to go through a complete re-design of their chassis!

Once again, congrats to Jeff Jr for a very fine year. It all started with your race school with Brent two years ago. Remember that? People were stunned at Great Lakes as to the improvements. I hope you continue to capture new sponsors to assist in your efforts. You all deserve it.